GEM MINING
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting gem mining experience, perfect for families and aspiring treasure hunters.
At the wooden sluice, visitors can sift through mining rough using running water to reveal colorful gemstones like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. This hands-on activity provides both fun and education, as guests discover and identify their own sparkling treasures. Whether you’re a child or an adult, gem mining at Highlands Outpost is a thrilling way to experience the excitement of striking it rich in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
GEM MINING STATS
GEMS
ASSORTMENT
BUCKET SIZE
1 GALLON
SEASON
MARCH TO MID-OCTOBER
GEM MINING HOURS
Location is closed random days throughout the year. Be sure to check hours on their website to be sure they are open the day(s) you want to visit.
GEM MINING TICKETS
Tickets are purchase on-site. No reservations required.
DISCOUNTED RATES
- They offer 1/2 price for locals on Fridays with valid ID. (Macon, Jackson, Clay County)
BOOK YOUR EXPERIENCE
Click the link to visit the official website.
AMENITIES AVAILABLE AT THIS LOCATION
ON-SITE CONCESSIONS
Light concessions and drinks are avaialable inside the main building.
RETAIL STORE
There is a retail store on-site that offers keepsake items, concessions, and more.
VISIT LOCATION PAGE
Click the link to visit the location page for this activity and learn all about the location.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AT THIS LOCATION
Mountain Coaster Highlands Outpost NC
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, is home to the Scaly Mountain Screamer, North Carolina’s longest mountain coaster, featuring over 3,800 feet of track with thrilling 360-degree turns and stunning Appalachian Mountain views.
Ice Skating Highland Outpost NC
The outdoor rink provides a smooth, well-maintained surface where skaters can glide under the crisp mountain air, surrounded by stunning Blue Ridge views.
Fishing Highlands Outpost NC
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, features a scenic trout fishing pond, offering a relaxing outdoor experience where you only pay for what you catch and they provide everthing you need.
Extreme Tubing Highlands Outpost NC
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting extreme tubing experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the thrill of snow tubing in the warmer months.
Snowtubing Highland Outpost NC
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting snow tubing experience perfect for winter adventure seekers of all ages.
ACTIVITY AT OTHER LOCATIONS
Snow Tubing Moonshine Mountain NC
Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing offers fast, thrilling runs down a long, steep tubing hill with a lift to bring riders back up for more fun. With a playful, rustic atmosphere and plenty of snowy excitement, it’s a favorite winter experience for families and groups in Western North Carolina.
Snow Tubing Beech Mtn NC
The resort’s dedicated tubing hill features 6–8 lanes, each stretching a generous 700 feet and flanked by high-powered snowmaking guns to ensure consistently slick, fast surfaces.
Snowtubing Black Bear Snow Tubing NC
The park features a 600-foot-long tubing hill with an 80-foot vertical drop, delivering fast, exciting descents that are suitable for both kids and adults. What makes it especially unique is the ability to operate in both cold and warm weather seasons—thanks to special synthetic lanes and top-tier snowmaking equipment.
Snow Tubing Hawksnest NC
Snow tubing at Hawksnest in Seven Devils, NC is a high-energy winter favorite, featuring wide, groomed lanes that let riders zoom down snowy slopes on giant inner tubes with exhilarating speed and ease. Its fun, family-friendly atmosphere combined with stunning mountain scenery and effortless lift access makes it a must-do winter adventure for visitors of all ages.
Snow Tubing Ski Sapphire NC
Ski Sapphire Valley’s Frozen Falls Tube Park offers a fun and easygoing snow tubing experience with a 500-foot run, a convenient moving sidewalk lift, and a scenic Blue Ridge Mountain setting that makes it perfect for families and first-time snow-goers.
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Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Newland, NC offers fast, family-friendly snow tubing in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, complete with long lanes and a convenient magic carpet lift. With timed sessions, easy online booking, and classic High Country charm, it’s a simple and exciting way to enjoy winter in North Carolina.
Snow Tubing Tube World NC
Snow tubing at Tube World in Maggie Valley delivers fast, family-friendly fun on groomed lanes with a convenient carpet lift that keeps the rides coming. With set session times, mountain views, and a laid-back Smoky Mountain atmosphere, it’s an easy and exciting way to enjoy winter in Western North Carolina.
Snow Tubing Sugar Mountain NC
The tubing park features multiple lanes carved into the slope, each offering a thrilling ride down on an oversized inner tube.
Snowtubing Highland Outpost NC
Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain, NC, offers an exciting snow tubing experience perfect for winter adventure seekers of all ages.
Snow Tubing Zip N Slip NC
Zip N Slip in Mars Hill, NC offers fun, family-friendly snow tubing with multiple exciting runs and a magic carpet that carries you back to the top for more laps. With timed sessions and cozy amenities like a solarium with a fireplace, it’s an easy and memorable winter outing for all ages.